Reversible latch mechanism



Dec. 23, 1952 Filed Sept. 9, 1948 A. F. LICKTEIG, JR

REVERSIBLE LATCH MECHANISM 2 SHEETS-SHEET l A? INVENTOR..

Q) Agar) F L/c/ne/g, Jr.

Dec. 23, 1952 Filed Sept. 9, l

LICKTEIG, JR 2,622,908

REVERSIBLE LATCH MECHANISM 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 QQA INVENTOR Awa Afforneg Patented Dec. 23, 1952 UNITED STATES PAT ENT" OFFICE 2 6,252,908 REvERSIfiilE' LATCH MECHANISM Albert -F.-Lickteig, {Ir- Grand Rapids} Mich.,-as-' s'i'g'nbr, by meshe assignments; toHarloc' Prod ucts 'Gorporatioma corporation of Connecticut 4 Claims.

This-disclosure is a continuation inpart-of thatdescribed inthe application of- Albert F. Lickt'eig, Jr.,' Serial No.-"30,755, filed on June 3, 1948, andentit-led"Latch Mechanism. Thea'pplicatiom referred to describes a latch which is adapted to have its direction of locking actionchanged by an adjustment which ismade without-requiringthe removal of themechanism fromits position in the door. This change of the direction of lockingaction 1 is accomplished by removing the-front plate-, -an'd---reinstallingthe same after'rotatirig it 180 in a plane parallel toits normal pos'ition. Such re-positioning of thefr'ont plate serves to-select which of two-lock-- ing surfaces of the bolt are to be presented in looking position. The supporting structure for the belt which maintains it against 'forcesencountered in looking are r such that they cooperate with the bolt in either-of two positions. The supporting structure-is also ofsuch a nature that the bolt becomes disengaged therefrom in the very early stages of the retracting movement. Such disengagement permits the-bolt to be rotatedslightly by-the action of the striker plate as the door ispulled' open; and-the locking surface thereby assumes-enough of a slant to urge the boltinwardly against-the action ofsuitablesprings. In this mannera door may be pulled open after actuating the knob a small fraction of the total travel thereof normally associated with opening adoor.

As described in the aboveidentified application, a latch device having these characteristics makes possible'the-installation of such devices within the door a the door is being manufactured. This type of installation obviously effects considerable economy over the usual: practice in which the carpenter installs all the'hardware as the door is hung in position. This arrangement also makes possible the-removal of a door from a position in which it has been hung, and the installation thereof ina new location in which the direction of swing from-closed to open is difierent from that'of the first installa-' tion; The accommodation of the latch to-thenew direction of locking action is effected by the adjustment to the front plate above described.-

The' present disclosure also provides a" support meansfor a bolt which becomes partially disengaged as the bolt is slightlywithdrawn from locking position. While the supportingmea'ns for the bolt in theabove identified application provides a clamping: action between opposed 'surfaces on the bolt, the supportmeans contemplated by the present invention comprises a is rigidly associated with the'bolt. The cooper ation of the pin with the guidewayreplaces' one of the supporting surfaces of the-mechanism describedin the aboveidentifiedapplication;

The present invention has several advantages over that described inthe application referred to, both as to the manner of supporting ='the' bolt in looking" position, and 7 alsoas to the" support giventhe bolt-While in the retracted p051- the bolt is positioned to present a particular locking surface-for locking'action. The'cooperation of the-pin with the-guideway defimtely maintains the bolt at one point along'a fixed line of movement;- The bolt, in en'ect, rotates about this point as either or the two locking surfaces are positioned-1'01 locking action. in

the-preferred i'orm, the engagement of the bolt With-the lrontplate as thebolt moves outwardly under the urging f the variousspringsof' the mechanism causes the bolt to be"poslt1o'n'ed"ac cording tothe location or the aperture in the front plate with're'spect to tnegumeway above described. The guioeway of the'rn'odified form of this invention can 'beso proportioned asto havemanner as i'ndicatedtherein. The combination oi such fixed support with the bolt support provlded by the pin and guideway' completes the angular positioning of the bolt against the forces encountered in locking. It-is'of course' possible" to use both types of -guideways*alnd" thereby replace the bearing surfaces on the bolt entirely;

The various features of this invention'willbe analysis'o'f the partlcli described in detail by an lar mechanisms which -are* illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In these drawings;

Figure l is a section-through the case taken on a horizontal plane, andshowin'g theva'rious components of the preferred form of thisinvem' tion in operating position.

Figure 2 is a vertical section through the 3 same mechanism indicated in Figure 1, the two views being drawn in projection.

Figure 3 is a section taken on the plane 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a section taken on a horizontal plane of a modified form of this invention.

Figure 5 is a vertical section through the mechanism indicated in Figure 4.

Referring to Figure 1, the latch mechanism generally indicated at in is shown provided with a retracting mechanism designated as H. When the mechanism has been installed in a door, suitable transverse actuating bars are installed to cooperate with retracting mechanism II, the operation of which is to induce a reciprocating motion to the crosshead l2, and to induce the retraction of the bolt 13 by means of the retracting link [4. The movement of the crosshead I2 is transmitted to the retracting link [4 by means of the engagement of the enlarged end I5 of the link with a portion of the forward end of the crosshead l2. Since the details of the retracting mechanism form no part of the present invention, this section of the device will not be described at length. A retracting mechanism in all respects similar to that indicated in these drawings will be found described in the application referred to previously.

The bolt l3 is provided with the bearing surfaces l6 and I! which cooperate with the fixed support provided by the bolt-receiving aperture of the front plate I8. With the bolt in the position indicated in Figure 1, the surface [9 may be considered to be in locking position, and the surface 20 will be referred to as in slant position.

The bolt 13 is provided with the transverse pin H which projects from either side of the bolt to engage suitable guideways 22 and 23 which are preferably formed integrally with the case 24, but may be associated with any fixed structure of the latch mechanism. The pin 2! also provides the pivot connection between the bolt and the retracting link I4. The supporting structure comprising the edge of the front plate aperture and the guideways 22 and 23 cooperate to completely support the bolt l3 against forces generated by the locking action. The lateral locking force is resisted by the bearing surface [6 and its related support, while the counteracting moment which is created by such locking force is resisted by components of force contributed by the guideway and the bearing surface It.

. As the bolt l3 moves inwardly under the action of the retracting mechanism, the bearing surface l6 becomes disengaged from the surface of the front plate aperture with which it is shown cooperating in Figure 1. As soon as such disengagement is completed, the bolt becomes free to rotate to a limited extent in a clockwise direction about the axis of the pin 2!. Such rotation will be limited by the engagement of surface 20 with a portion of the front plate aperture. As a door is slammed shut, the striker plate on the door jamb will engage the slant surface 2!], creating a component of force which urges the bolt inwardly. The bolt I3 is secured against further angular rotation in a counterclockwise direction from that indicated in Figure 1 by either the action of the surface I 9 bearing against the front plate aperture, or by the engagement of the shoulder 25 with the upper portion of the case 24, as seen in Figure 1. A shoulder 25 periorms this same iunctlon when the locking direction or the bolt is changed so that the surface 20 is disposed perpendicular to the front plate.

lhe bolt I5 is continuously biased outwardly (until the retracting mechanism is actuated) by the action OI spring 2| which surrounds the retracting link H. The spring 2'1 operates between the Iorward face OI the crosshead l2 and suitable retaimhg shoulders upon the forward end of the retracting link I l. The spring, in enect, forces the retracting link to urge the bolt into locking position. 5130p means are provided to limit such outward movement of the bolt so that the bolt at no time proceeds beyond the locking position indicated in Figures 1 and Such limiting action is preferably accomplished by permitting the pin 2| to engage a fixed structure such as the back plate 28, or by simply relying on the action of the enlarged portion I5 of the link In as it contacts the transverse portion of the crosshead l2. The link M is slidably retained in a suitable aperture in the forward portion of the crosshead l2, such aperture being large enough to admit the smaller dimension of the link 14, but not being large enough to permit passage of the enlarged end l5. As the door is slammed shut, the bolt l3 moves inwardly with such movement resisted by spring 21, and with the link [4 sliding through the aperture in the crosshead. As the retracting .mechanism is manually actuated, such actuation is resisted by the action of the spring If it is desired to change the direction of looking action of the bolt l3, it is merely necessary to remove the front plate Hi from the position indicated and to rotate the same in an amount equal to and re-install it within the confines of the locating shoulders 30. This adjustment to the front plate serves to re-position the bolt-receiving aperture with respect to the guideways 22 and 23 and to maintain the bolt in a locking position in which the surface 20 is perpendicular to the front plate rather than surface I9 as is now shown. As the bolt moves outwardly from retracted position, the engagement of the converging portion of the bolt with the aperture tends to cause the bolt to move naturally into whichever of the locking positions has been determined by the installation of the front plate. The front plate is secured in position by the action of Wood screws which are inserted at 3| and which secure the latch mechanism Ii) within the door.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, a modified form of this invention is illustrated involving a different type of guideway from that illustrated in Figures 1, 2, and 3. In this form of the invention, the bolt 32 is provided with the laterally extending pins 33 and 34 which are preferably co-axial, and cooperate with the guideway 35 which may be formed as indicated in the sides of case 36. The guideway 35 comprises the upper portion 31, the lower portion 38, and the vertical connecting portion 39. Since the guideway 36 has its exact opposite upon the side of the case not shown in Figure 4, the reference characters may be considered to indicate the guideway system generally. It is clearly apparent that as the door carrying the latch mechanism in Figure 4 is slammed shut, the bolt moves inwardly with the pin 33 following the upper portion 31 of the guideway35. As the bolt 32 moves inwardly, the pin 33 finally reaches a position opposite the vertical section 39 of the guideway, 35, and it is then possible to use a screw-driver or other implement which is applied to the surface lllof the bolt, and tip the bolt into a position .in which the surface 4| stands perpendicular to the front plate lit. The length of the horizontal sections 3'! and 38 of the guideway 35. determines the point to which the bolt must move before such adjustment can be made. It is possible to proportion these guideways so that the pins 33 and 34 become disengaged in the early stages of retraction of the bolt. With the latter arrangement, it is possible to permit the aperture of the front plate [8 to determine the locking position of the bolt, provided that the length of the horizontal portions 31 or 38 is such that the pins 33 and 34 are not engaged until the front plate has caused the bolt 32 to tip into correct locking position for engagement with the front plate aperture.

The outward movement of the bolt 32 beyond locking position can be prevented in any one of a number of ways. For illustrative purposes, the stop shoulders Q2 and 43 are shown which cooperate with the rear portion of the back plate or any similar fixed structure. It is also practical to limit the outward movement of the bolt through the engagement of the pins 33 and 3A with the forward portion of the guideway 35. The balance of the retracting mechanism including the retracting link and the various biasing means illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 are the same as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

When it is desired to change the direction of locking action of the modified form of this invention, it will of course be necessary to reverse the position of the front plate in the same manner as described in connection with the preferred form of the invention. With the guideway proportioned as shown in Figure 4, the change in direction of locking action of the bolt is accomplished by removing the front plate It and rotating it 180 in a plane parallel to its normal position. Before re-installation of the plate, the retracting mechanism is actuated to a point where the pin 33 appears opposite the vertical section 39 of the guideway 35. At that point the bolt may be either manually forced to a position in which the pin 33 is disposed to engage the lower guideway 38, or a screw-driver or other instrument may be inserted under the surface 40 to accomplish this purpose.

The particular mechanisms which are shown in the accompanying drawings and which are discussed herein are presented for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be considered as limitations upon the scope of this invention established by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a latch mechanism having retracting means, the combination of: a bolt having a plu rality of converging locking surfaces, any one of which may be positioned to engage a keeper, and bearing surfaces associated respectively with each of said locking surfaces; coaxial projections on opposite sides of said bolt, said sides being substantially perpendicular to said locking surfaces; first support means including fixed guideways disposed to cooperate with said projections to rotatably support and to guide said bolt to and from a retracted position; second support means including a supporting surface disposed to be engaged by one of said bearing surfaces upon projection of said bolt toward latching position' to maintain the lockingsurface associated-withsaid bearing-surface in keeper-engagingpositi'on, said one bearing surface being disengaged from said supporting surface at an inward position of saidboltfrom extreme projection; biasing means' urging said bolt outwardly; and stop m'eans prevent which may be positioned to engageakeepeniand.

bearing surfaces associated respectively with each of said locking surfaces; coaxial projections on opposite sides of said bolt, said sides being substantially perpendicular to said locking surfaces; first support means including fixed guideways disposed to cooperate with said projections to rotatably support and to guide said bolt to and from a retracted position; second support means including a front plate having a bolt-receiving aperture providing a supporting surface disposed to be engaged by one of said bearing surfaces upon projection of said bolt toward latching position to maintain the locking surface associated with said bearing surface in keeper-engaging position, said one bearing surface being disengaged from said supporting surface at an inward position of said bolt from extreme projection; biasing means urging said bolt outwardly; and stop means preventing outward movement of said bolt beyond locking position.

3. In a latch mechanism having retracting means, the combination of: a bolt having a plurality of converging locking surfaces, any one of which may be positioned to engage a keeper, and bearing surfaces associated respectively with each of said locking surfaces; coaxial projections on opposite sides of said bolt, said sides being substantially perpendicular to said locking surfaces; first support means including fixed guideways disposed to cooperate with said projections to rotatably support and to guide said bolt to and from a retracted position; second support means including a front plate having a bolt-receiving aperture providing a supporting surface disposed to be engaged by one of said bearing surfaces upon projection of said bolt toward latching position to maintain the locking surface associated with said bearing surface in keeper-engaging position, said one bearing surface being disengaged from said supporting surface at an inward position of said bolt from extreme projection; mounting means for said front plate, said mounting means being eccentric to said aperture; biasing means urging said bolt outwardly; and stop means preventing outward movement of said bolt beyond locking position.

4. In a latch mechanism having retracting means, the combination of: a bolt having a plurality of converging locking surfaces, any one of which may be positioned to engage a keeper, and bearing surfaces associated respectively with each of said locking surfaces; coaxial projections on opposite sides of said bolt, said sides being substantially perpendicular to said locking surfaces; first support means including fixed guideways having a plurality of projection-engaging portions, each of said portions being disposed to cooperate with said projections to rotatably support and to guide said bolt to and from a retracted position; second support means including a supporting surface disposed to be engaged by one of said bearing surfaces upon projection of said bolt 7 toward latching position to maintain the locking surface associated with said bearing surface in keeper-engaging position, said one bearing sur-' face being disengaged from said supporting surface at an inward position of said bolt from extreme projection; biasing means urging said bolt outwardly; and stop means preventing outward movement of said bolt beyond locking position.

ALBERT F. LICKTEIG. JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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